Stob Diamh (Ben Cruachan)

Munro

This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.

Altitude

998 m (3274 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.

NN09473085

An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.

Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.

Meaning

Peak of the stag

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

Description

Stob Diamh is a craggy peak at the E end of Ben Cruachan ridge which runs E to W with many minor ridges on both the Glen Noe side and the Loch Awe side.

To the W of Stob Diamh the ridge leads to Drochaid Ghlas and to the S a narrow ridge leads to Stob Garbh (980m) then divides to produce S and ESE branches. From the summit of Stob Diamh the main ridge continues NE, turning SE.

A descent on the SW slope of the S ridge leads to the path in Corrie Cruachan, and a descent on the crest of the ESE branch of the S ridge joins a track leading to the junction of the A85 with the B8077.

Stob Diamh is normally approached from Drochaid Ghlas

Hazards you may encounter on Stob Diamh include

Steep slopes on or near ascent routes.

Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.

Crags on or near ascent routes.

Crags near summit.

General Considerations

Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.

Wind usually increases with altitude.

Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.

River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.

Picture Gallery for Stob Diamh

Stob Diamh viewed from the east. The ridge leading down the left hand side is Stob Garbh's SE arm. (2009-05-16)

Looking North from Stob Garbh towards 980m Stob Diamh. To the right of the picture is the sadly much lesser walked north east ridge of Stob Diamh, including the non-munro, but none the less very impressive tight summit of 964m Sron an Isean.

Post a few words about Stob Diamh or read what others have had to say.

Comments

James Corriganwrote on
October 17, 2010

Approached from Alt Coire Ghlais and climbed the buttress between Stob Gharb and Stob Diamh.We included this Munro with Ben Cruachan covering its many tops and ups and downs.Superb clear conditions gave views as far as Arran and Fort William.Included the Corbett Beinn a Bhuiridh to make it a long and demanding day.

Norman Wareswrote on
October 27, 2009

Having previously climbed Stob Diamh by the usual route from Ben Cruachan, decided to ascend via the SE ridge of Stob Garbh, having parked at the junction of B8077/A85. Excellent views and straightforward navigation. Descended via Munro Top of Sron an Isean but had difficulty finding the bridge to take me back to the old lead mine track so forded the burn and gained wet feet for my troubles ! It's funny how easy it is to spot the bridge after you've done this ! !! I recommend this route as a good alternative to the usual way up.

Adam Rixonwrote on
May 5, 2008

I climbed Stob Diamh with the Corbett Beinn a' Bhuiridh (a version of the Dalmally Horseshoe). The steep, pathless climb to the 641m point on Beinn a' Bhuiridh is pretty tortuous, especially under a hot sun. After that it eases a bit, with spectacular glimpses of the N-facing cliffs, though the summit itself isn't a great viewpoint. Descend very steeply N from the summit to the 730m col, then ascend to Stob Diamh on decent paths and easier ground. After a steep up and down, it's a simple descent from the 964m top back to the start. Steve Macluskie must be a fit man though - it took us 6 hours!

Steve Macluskiewrote on
December 23, 2007

Climbed this as part of the "Dalmally Horseshoe". Park just round the corner at the beginning of the B8077 at the head of Loch Awe. Steep pitch up to Monadh Driselg @ 641m, contrinue east to Beinn a Bhuriidh, North to Stob Damh then continue round corrie rim NE, E then SE walking back down the Eastern shoulder of Coire Chreachainn back to the car. 5 hours at a good pace.

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